Definition

1. Noun:
   • A desert lizard that feeds on ants: A type of reptile, specifically a thorny devil (Moloch horridus), native to arid regions of Australia.
   • An erect bushy shrub of eastern Australia: A plant (Lambertia formosa) known for its terminal clusters of red, nectar-rich flowers.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Animal):

  • The mountain devil is well-camouflaged in its desert habitat.
  • We were lucky to spot a mountain devil, a lizard that eats thousands of ants each day.

• Noun (Plant):

  • The mountain devil is flowering, attracting many honeyeater birds.
  • This garden features native species like the mountain devil shrub.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in Australian English and often requires context to clarify whether the speaker is referring to the animal or the plant.
• In scientific or botanical contexts, the Latin names ( for the lizard, for the plant) are used to avoid ambiguity.

Variants and Related Words

• Thorny devil: A more common name for the lizard.
• Honey flower: An alternative common name for the shrub, referring to its nectar.

Synonyms

• For the lizard: Thorny devil, Moloch.
• For the plant: Honey flower, Lambertia.

Related Phrases

• As prickly as a mountain devil: An informal simile describing something or someone as very spiky or difficult to handle. (This phrase typically references the lizard's thorny appearance).
  • After his haircut, his head felt as prickly as a mountain devil.

Noun

1. desert lizard that feeds on ants
2. erect bushy shrub of eastern Australia having terminal clusters of red flowers yielding much nectar